Inter Milan Secures Top Spot in Serie A with Dominant Victory Over Cagliari

Inter Milan claimed a convincing 3-0 victory over Cagliari on Saturday, temporarily securing the top spot in Serie A. Second-half strikes from Alessandro Bastoni, Lautaro Martinez, and Hakan Calhanoglu sealed the win for the champions, putting them level on points with Atalanta but ahead on goal difference. The win marked Inter's fifth consecutive victory in the league. Atalanta will have the chance to reclaim the top spot later in the day as they take on Lazio, aiming for their 12th consecutive league win, despite missing their star striker Mateo Retegui due to injury.

Cagliari are just inside the relegation zone after a fourth consecutive defeat for Davide Nicola's side.

"The most important thing is that Inter win. If I get a goal too, then that's a bonus," said Martinez, who broke an eight-match scoring drought with his 71st-minute strike.

"We work hard every day to win trophies and anyone who sets foot on the pitch will give their all for the team. We've just got to keep going and make 2025 like this year."

Inter could have won by a more convincing scoreline at the Unipol Domus stadium had captain Martinez not wasted great chances in each half before prodding home Nicolo Barella's cross.

Argentina striker Martinez hadn't scored since November 3 and looked to be having another bad day in front of goal when he somehow failed to push home Calhanoglu's cross midway through the first half. 

He then flashed a low drive just past the post eight minutes after the break, moments after Bastoni gave Inter the lead with a brilliant looping header.

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But he did net his seventh goal this season in all competitions and seven minutes later Calhanoglu made absolutely sure of the points from the penalty spot.

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Next up, Inter travel to play the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia, where Simone Inzaghi's side take on Atalanta on Thursday.

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)